IS YOUR SPIRIT IN STEP WITH GOD’S SPIRIT?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  
(Galatians 5:25)

MEDITATION:
‘Keeping in step’ means to be in agreement with someone or something.
The scriptures tell us that if we are truly living by the Spirit, 
then we will agree with the Spirit.
That means there are times when we will think 
and act differently than our natural inclinations.

Our fleshly desires will surrender to the Spirit’s desires.
Paul tells us that these two are diametrically opposed to each other.
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit 
what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, 
so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Galatians 5:17)

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul outlined the differences between the two.
This may not be an exhaustive list, but it does point out 
the things that indicate whether or not we are ‘in step’ with the Spirit.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish 
ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. 
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit 
the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

At the end of the ‘fleshly’ list, Paul issues a warning that those who live 
by the flesh and not by the Spirit, will not inherit the kingdom of God.
When he says ‘live like this’, he is referring to a way of life.
There are times when we may stumble and fall into one or more of these areas,
but if we are in step with the Spirit, we will agree with the Spirit that we 
have failed, ask for forgiveness, and resolve to have a stronger resistance 
to failing in the future. 
If we are not in step with the Spirit, 
then one stumble will most likely lead to additional failures, 
because we have given the flesh a foothold for controlling us.

We can see the contrast between the Spirit and the flesh 
in Paul’s list of the ‘fruits of the Spirit’.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, 
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23a)

Paul is saying that when we are ‘in step with the Spirit’, 
these ‘fruits’ will be evident in our lives.
Rather than considering them as items on a list, 
we should think about the overall attitude each grouping creates in us.

If we are living by the Spirit, 
there is a goodness in our attitude that is similar to the mindset of Christ.
If we are not living by the Spirit, our overall attitude 
will be tainted with things that are not good for us, or others.

ACTION:
Are you being controlled by the Spirit or the flesh?
If it is the Spirit, are you ‘in step’ with Him?
In other words, do you agree with where He leads you, 
or do you try to justify going a way that is contrary to the Spirit?

As an example, one fruit of the Spirit is peace, 
but if you allow your anger to run amok 
and justify your actions by claiming that ‘this is just the way I am’, 
then you are not agreeing with the Spirit on your attitude.

Others are not unaware of your lack of self-control.
It is not ‘just the way you are’, it is ‘just the way you choose to be’.
Anytime you rationalize or justify actions that are contrary to the Spirit,
you are not ‘living by the Spirit’, so you cannot be ‘in step with the Spirit’.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me if I have not surrendered to the guidance 
and control of the Holy Spirit. If I am justifying my actions and attitudes 
that are contrary to the Spirit, give me the courage, determination and 
confidence to allow the Spirit to have more control in my life. Teach me
how to squelch my fleshly desires whenever they arise, and to concentrate 
on developing an attitude and spirit similar to Christ, so that I can become
a witness to the lost as I live by, and am in step with, Your Spirit.”

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